Over the decades, the America’s Cup has not only been a test of skill but also a showcase for maritime innovation and a battleground for national pride.

The evolution of the America’s Cup

In the beginning, the America’s Cup was a straightforward challenge between yacht clubs, with the defender hosting the race and the challenger coming from another country. The New York Yacht Club (NYYC) dominated the event for 132 years, defending the Cup 24 times until 1983 when the Royal Perth Yacht Club’s Australia II ended their streak. This victory marked a turning point, introducing a more competitive edge.

Since then The Cup has evolved tremendously. The yachts have transformed from traditional mono-hulls to the high-speed, foiling catamarans and monohulls of today, capable of reaching speeds over 50 knots (nearly 60 mph). These technological advancements have made the races more thrilling and spectator-friendly, drawing larger audiences both at the Cup and through global broadcasts.

Nowadays, the America’s Cup is becoming a showcase for sustainability and the blue economy, too.

The 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona

The 37th edition of the America’s Cup, takes place from the 22nd August until October 2024, in Barcelona, Spain. This marks a return to Europe following the 2007 event in Valencia – just 350 km along the coast.

Barcelona is a picturesque yet practical location for this prestigious event. The city’s natural harbor and favorable sailing conditions make it an ideal sailing site. Barcelona’s well accustomed infrastructure and hospitality industry are safe hands to handle the massive influx of visitors. There’s also the local enthusiasm for sailing and sports, which will add zest to the thrill of the races.

New developments in Barcelona for 2024

The America’s Cup will be viewed by over 1 billion people worldwide but it will also bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Barcelona, alongside the competitors. With that in mind, the city has made major renovations to the city’s port, ahead of the event.

Here’s a summary of five of the new developments that will be on offer for visitors, and the city’s residents – at the event and for years to come.

• La Rambla to the sea – La Rambla is being linked to the port beyond, meaning the famous thoroughfare will be pedestrianized all the way down to the sea. While this won’t quite be ready for the event, the major part will be completed – and the port area at the bottom of La Rambla has been renovated.
• Balcon Gastronomico – a remodeling of the restaurant area at the city’s marina. The area was nice enough before but will now be a world-class foodie hub with sea views. Some of the new restaurants look spectacular and will be a fitting addition to a city that’s already home to the world’s best restaurant and world’s best bar!

• New Mirador building – the port renovations for the America’s Cup will mostly improve existing port buildings, such as the Barcelona Aquarium. But a new building that’s being created is an elegant lookout point at the edge of Barcelona’s port. It’s the reward after a walk along a brand new pedestrianized walkway.
• Convenient water ferries – these will operate between La Rambla and Barcelona’s seafront. Not only are they convenient – significantly cutting down an awkward journey – but they’re zero emissions. Book your tickets here.
• The city’s best at Timeout Market – a curation of the city’s best restaurants, bars and chefs, all under one roof. Modeled on the famous Timeout market in Lisbon. This has been opened in parallel with a remodeling of the city’s Maremagnum shopping mall.

 

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That’s just a few highlights. For even more of the fancy renovations to Barcelona’s port you can check the official website. These will all leave a lasting legacy for the city – and lasting memories for visitors.

Who’s competing for the 2024 America’s Cup?

The 2024 America’s Cup is set to be a mediterranean-infused showcase of pioneering maritime technology and fierce competition. Teams from six countries will compete in state-of-the-art AC75 foiling monohulls, which represent the pinnacle of modern yacht design. Here are some quick stats about these amazing yachts:

• Hull length: 20.7m
• Mast height: 26.5m
• Weight: 6.5 tons
• Crew: 8 people
• Maximum speed: 50 +kn

These vessels dare to defy gravity as they lift above the water on hydrofoils. Their elite performance and agility compared to normal boats, is like F1 cars versus those on roads.

Leading the competition is the current defender, Emirates Team New Zealand. Challenging them are five aspiring teams that’ll present tough opposition – most of them from Europe.

• 🇮🇹 Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli from Italy
• 🇬🇧 INEOS Britannia, from the UK
• 🇨🇭 Alinghi Red Bull Racing, from Switzerland
• 🇺🇸 NYCC American Magic, from the USA
• 🇫🇷 Orient Express Racing Team, from France

Each team will bring their unique brand of strategy, engineering, and sailing prowess, to the Mediterranean.

And, yes, you may have noticed that despite the America’s Cup being in Barcelona – there is no Spanish home team involved! A shame but then, despite leading the world in food and football and plenty of other things, Spain can’t be the best in the world at everything…

There’s no better time to visit Barcelona’s port

As the world’s oldest international sporting competition, the America’s Cup continues to captivate audiences with its blend of tradition, innovation, and high-stakes competition. With its picturesque setting, state-of-the-art yachts, and fiercely competitive teams, the 2024 Cup in Barcelona is set to be one of the best events yet. Maybe the best.

Stay tuned to our blog for an in-depth look at the teams, the technology, and the thrilling events leading up to the grand finale in Barcelona.

Are you coming to see it? Well, if you are and fancy seeing the city on another kind of vehicle entirely (which is also built with sustainability and low emissions in mind) then why not see the best of Barcelona on our Waterfront Segway Tour. It’d be the perfect land-based complement to all the action on the sea. And you’ll see a rejuvenated side to an already scintillating city.

Der Beitrag America’s Cup 2024 in Barcelona – a visitors’ guide erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Barcelona enjoys a glowing reputation as a destination for business and leisure. But what about romance?

Couples visiting the Catalan capital will also undoubtedly discover a city teeming with romance. The city has a long and unique history that provides an air of refinement and delicacy – the perfect setting for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.

The weather is crisp yet sunny, and each Valentine’s Day couples from around the world enjoy an intimate and cozy time together. Marvelous cuisine, unforgettable views and more await. Here’s a closer look at how to enjoy a perfect Valentine’s Day in Barcelona.

Restaurants for a romantic Valentine’s Day in Barcelona

Of course, there’s no better way to celebrate with your loved one than with an intimate meal. This gives you the chance to not only enjoy indulgent cuisine, but also to chat and enjoy some wine in a romantic atmosphere.

Barcelona has a staggering number of restaurants to pick from. There are thousands which offer everything from traditional Italian cuisine and seafood, to sushi and steakhouse options. There’ll be something that helps you and your partner to celebrate in a way that you love. To get the inspiration flowing, here’s a look at some of the key options for Valentine’s Day in Barcelona.

• Lab Restaurant

  Lab Restaurant is one of the highest rated restaurants in Barcelona and given the quality of its Mediterranean dishes, it’s a really little wonder. The prices don’t break the bank too much, and the food here is really creative and presented well. Relationships are all about sharing new experiences, so the imaginative plates here will give you a new shared experience.

  If food is important to you and your partner, then this remarkable restaurant offers a true fine dining experience that you won’t forget any time soon.

• Santa Rita Experience

  If you’re looking for a comfortable and unique experience that celebrates the very essence of cooking, Santa Rita is an exciting option. The experience is built around the idea of removing the barriers that divide the kitchen and a comfortable dining area.

  You and your partner will enjoy a gastronomic experience that demonstrates keen respect for quality and seasonal products. The atmosphere is comfortable and calm, resembling that of a home. Vegetarian and flexitarian options are also available.

• La Caleta Burger

  Of course, different couples enjoy different things. While some people adore fine dining and the opportunity to relish a fresh culinary experience, others are happy with an incredibly burger, a beer, and great company.

  If this sounds more up your street, then La Caleta Burger is a great option. Located in the center of the city you can enjoy an exquisite burger without having to worry too much about making a booking or navigating a bizarre menu!

  This is a nice option if you’re looking to keep things real and experience a truly incredible burger.

• Jai-Ca

  If you’re in Barcelona, you’ll naturally want to make the most of the local cuisine here and sample some great tapas. Jai-Ca is found in Barceloneta and offers a perfect introduction to tapas via its large and delicious menu.

  Perfect for couples, you and your partner can sample the best that tapas has to offer in a lively and fun atmosphere. You’ll also be located close to the beach and clubs on the one side, and the center of Barcelona on the other – the perfect location to launch an amazing evening!

Activities for a special Valentine’s Day in Barcelona

Valentine’s Day in Barcelona doesn’t just have to be about the food: there are a huge range of amazing activities that you can enjoy to have an unforgettable day. Here is a look at some of those.

• Walk through the City

This might not sound like the most imaginative idea, but Barcelona is truly beautiful to walk through and enjoy from the street level. The streets are long and wide, meaning that they are bright throughout the day. You and your partner can enjoy getting lost together and stopping for a drink or snack whenever you need.

There are a huge range of attractions to see, and you can lose yourself in the rich history of the city. We recommend passing through the center of the city and visiting the Parc de la Ciutadella. You can also extend your walk to the north of the city to explore Eixample and Gràcia. These wonderful neighborhoods are filled with hidden gems.

• Enjoy a Segway Tour

If a wander doesn’t sound like your thing and you want a more detailed look at the most incredible areas in the city, you could consider a Barcelona Segway tour. This is the perfect way to get around the city quickly while still enjoying it at your own pace from the street level.

You and your partner will have a lot of fun using the devices and experiencing something new together. Best of all, you will be guided around to get a clear explanation of the key areas of the city and the history that happened there.

• Share a Spa Day

Barcelona has a huge range of spas. Some are huge and well-known, while others offer a more intimate and customized experience. If you and your partner love a bit of pampering, then there’s nothing quite like a visit to the spa.

You will be able to enjoy massages and circuits through a range of pools and thermal baths. There is a range of prices and packages available, so be sure to do some research to find the option that is best for you! Don’t forget that Groupon is popular in Barcelona – you can find some great deals there.

Have an Incredible Valentine’s Day in Barcelona!

We love this city and we have absolutely no doubt you will too. Our entire team hopes that you and your loved one have an unforgettable day and a wonderful stay!

If you want to dig deeper and find some more inspiration, then be sure to check out our exploration of the best activities in Barcelona.

Der Beitrag The Perfect Valentine’s Day in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

One of the most economically powerful cities in the European Union, Barcelona is truly the jewel in Spain’s economy.

Each day in the bustling Mediterranean city, millions of people apply their skills in a wide range of exciting industries. Partnerships and agreements between the various companies are fundamental to this growth and success, meaning that business lunch in Barcelona is an important part of life.

The city is also renowned for its amazing cuisine, so business diners are truly spoiled for choice! If you’re looking for the perfect restaurant for a business lunch in Barcelona, we’re here to help. Here are our recommendations based upon years of experience.

1. Enjoy a True Barcelona Experience in El Velódromo

Where is it? Carrer de Muntaner, 213, 08036 Barcelona
barvelodromo.com

If you’re looking to welcome your business lunch partner to a venue that reflects a connection to Barcelona and shows a touch of class, this could be a great option. Whether they’re coming from out of town or they’re based in Barcelona themselves, this is a perfect venue to choose.

This stylish bar, restaurant and café is owned by Moritz, a brewery based in Barcelona. The location is open throughout the day from 6am to 3am, and it has long served loyal customers with a range of beautiful dishes designed by Michelin-starred chef Jordi Vilà. There are Spanish classics available here, allowing you to introduce your guests to the tastes of Barcelona.

The venue has large tables, so it’s great for both pairs and larger groups too. A laid-back ambiance is given a touch of refinement thanks to old woods and vintage objects. The restaurant is found in the heights of Eixample too, just on the outskirts of Gracia.

2. Grab a Team Lunch at Fábrica Moritz

Where is it? Ronda de Sant Antoni, 41, 08011 Barcelona
www.moritz.com

This huge brewery might seem like a strange choice for your business lunch in Barcelona, but it’s actually a perfect location thanks to its central location, variety of open spaces, and delicious dishes that are on offer.

Whether you’re a duo or a large group conducting a team meeting, you’ll find that all of your needs are served here. There are huge tables and closed-off spaces, as well as a terrace and smaller tables which offer you a glimpse into the action going on outside.

The food is of a very high quality and given the size of the menu, you don’t have to worry about your business lunch partner finding something that they will love. From burgers and hotdogs to delicious tapas, there’s something for everyone. Of course, there’s beer available should you want to treat your partner to a drink!

3. Enjoy a Chic Experience at Flax & Kale

Where is it? Carrer Tallers, 74b, 08001 Barcelona
teresacarles.com/fk/

Looking for a trendy and healthy option for your business lunch in Barcelona? Flax & Kale is sure to impress: it offers predominantly vegetarian dishes and places a focus on healthy food in a buzzing atmosphere.

The restaurant is a favorite for business lunches, so you’ll want to book ahead to secure your table. The atmosphere is buzzing and you’ll find yourself just between Plaça Catalunya and Raval, so getting there is very easy.

If you’re hoping to treat your business lunch partner to a healthy and trendy dining experience in the center of Barcelona, you will be hard-pressed to find a better option. The interior design is clean and modern, helping you and your guest to talk business without distraction.

4. Impress at Studio Miramar – Hotel Miramar

Where is it? Plaça de Carlos Ibáñez, 3, 08038 Barcelona
hotelmiramarbarcelona.com

If you’re looking to kick things up a notch to really impress a special guest and move your business forward, you might want to look at the Studio Miramar.

This restaurant is within the 5* Hotel Miramar, found just a small walk away from the Columbus statue in the center of Barcelona. You and your guests will be sure to be delighted with the range of delicious avant-garde dishes on offer, adding a creative touch to local traditions.

You will enjoy beautiful views of Barcelona and also service that is fitting for a restaurant found within a 5* hotel. If you’re looking to impress, this is a good option.

5. Indulge in a New Experience at Rice! By Sánchez Romera

Where is it? Carrer de Muntaner, 182, 08036 Barcelona
ricebysanchezromera.com

Rice! By Sánchez Romera is an experience as well as an opportunity to grab a bite to eat. The focus here is on health, science, and the art of cuisine. By focusing on the “colors of flavor”, the doctor-chef who launched the venture makes authentic and natural flavors.

The amazing décor complements this theme and brings it to life in an exciting way. You’ll enjoy a full experience that touches all of your senses, allowing you to forge a connection with your guest through a shared experience.

The sterile tone of the white walls and black floors are accented with modern and elegant colors, helping you and your invitee to talk business while focusing on a wonderful shared culinary experience.

6. Taste the Indian Flavors at Delhi Darbar

Where is it? Passatge de Josep Llovera, 11, 08021 Barcelona
restaurantedelhidarbar.negocio.site

This restaurant plays host to some truly wonderful Indian flavors and aromas, helping to spice up your business lunch with some intense flavors.

There are a lot of combinations on offer, so the new food will help to keep you and your invitee feeling fresh and alert. This is a great way to enjoy a new experience together while enjoying premium food from chef Gurung. If you’re looking to impress without breaking the bank, you should give this option some serious consideration.

7. Have a Trendy Experience at Todo Pasa

Where is it? Carrer Vilà i Vilà, 53, 08004 Barcelona
todo-pasa.com

Todo Pasa is a traditional Argentinian restaurant through and through, meaning that you can look forward to sampling some of the finest meats and wines in the world. A premium restaurant, you’ll find a huge range of quality dishes that call upon Italian heritage and fine meats.

If you are looking for a trendy experience in the heart of the city, then maybe you will want to give Todo Pasa a lot of consideration. You will find that it can impress whoever you invite and you will find it easy to talk business in a comfortable and classy environment.

Build on your business lunch in Barcelona with an activity

We hope this list has given you some interesting food for thought. The options in Barcelona are essentially endless – there are over 10,000 restaurants here! We’re sure that you’ll find the right one and have a great business lunch.

If you want to build on those good vibes and enjoy an activity, be sure to check out our Segway tours.

Der Beitrag Top Restaurants for Your Business Lunch in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

The neighborhoods of Barcelona treasure a lot of streets, squares and buildings that you can not miss when you come to visit the Catalan capital. Today we are going to spend a day in the Gracia neighborhood in Barcelona, an area with bohemian imprint and artistic and multicultural character.

We’ll go through the main points of interest so that you immerse yourself fully in this neighborhood’s life, a place that once was an independent municipality until the end of the 19th century. The Gracia neighborhood became part of the urban nucleus of Barcelona in 1897, but this place still preserves the magic of the city that one day was, so you will find many cool things to see and do.

Discover the Gracia neighborhood in Barcelona

The squares in the Gracia neighborhood

There are several squares you can find in the neighborhood of Gracia. The most popular is the Plaça de Sol, with terraces and cafes and with a lot of atmosphere during the day and, especially, at night.
Another square, one of the most beautiful, and in which you will also find many people is the Plaça de la Virreina. There you’ll see the parish church of Sant Joan, and even you can dance some swing on Sundays.

An obligatory visit when you are in Gracia neighborhood is the Plaça del Diamant, which conserves an anti-aircraft shelter from the Civil War, the Plaça del Nord or the Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. Plaça de la Sedeta is currently an active civic center in the neighborhood and a symbol of struggle and neighborhood work since it is located in the old Pujol i Casacuberta factory, known by the name of this square.

The Park Güell

We now move to one of the most emblematic and visited places in Gracia: the Park Güell. This jewel is a work of Antonio Gaudí, and we invite you to walk through each of its corners. Its square is a viewpoint where you can enjoy the spectacular views towards Barcelona and, in the park, you will find nature, art and history.

The construction of the Park Güell began in 1900 and some of its essential spaces are the Escalinata del Dragón (the Stairway of the Dragon), the Sala Hipóstila (the Hypostyle Hall), the Teatro Griego (the Greek Theatre) or the Plaza de la Naturaleza (Nature Square) that is currently under construction, el Pórtico de la Lavandera (the Porch of the Washerwoman) or the Jardines de Austria (Austrian Gardens). You can also enjoy incredible walks along its roads, streets and viaducts.

The Modernist architecture of Gracia

Squares, parks and, also, buildings with history. The Gracia neighborhood is the cradle of some of the most representative modernist buildings of modernist architecture in Barcelona. One of them is the Casa Vicens, the first work of Gaudí and former bourgeois residence. It is located on Carolines Street.

Another beautiful building that you will find on your walk through the neighborhood of Gracia is the Casa Rubinat, of modernist architecture, built by Francesc Berenguer Mestres, the right hand of Gaudí, in 1909. As a curiosity, the project is signed by Joan Rubió i Bellver, since Berenguer was not titled.

The Mercat de la Llibertat (the Freedom Market)

Another modernist building you will have the opportunity to visit in the Gracia neighborhood in Barcelona is the Mercat de la Llibertat (the Freedom Market), located in the homonymous square. The space it occupied since 1888, formerly known as Plaza de la Constitución, was the place where farmers sold their vegetables, vegetables and other products.

Now, you can focus on a whole feast of sounds, smells and colors within a building with iron and work structure, decorated with pieces of wrought iron, which was designed to protect the food and all things that were inside. And if there are not many people or you have time, you can taste some of the foods or dishes that are served in one of the stalls directly in the same market.

The viaduct of Vallcarca

Located in the upper part of Gracia, between the Coll and the Putxet hills, this viaduct is a civil engineering work that was built by architect Miquel Pasqual Tintorer. It was the first time that iron was used with reinforced concrete to cover with cement a construction at the bank of a stream.

With this viaduct the cars and people could move from one side to the other and, in the same way, the neighborhood was opened to the rest of the city, favoring the connections. If you want to enjoy unbeatable views, we invite you to come to visit this point, one of the highest in Barcelona.

The Teatre Més Petit del Món (the Smallest Theatre in the World)

The Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona has the honor to host the smallest theater in the world. It is located on Encarnación Street, number 25, and is located on the ground floor of an old farmhouse from 1890. It was opened to the public in 1999 and, in this place, there are concerts, shows and events, all on a magic stage and in a familiar and cozy environment.

The streets with charm

If you want to walk, Gracia is a beautiful place to do it. Streets are full of magic, and you can still feel the atmosphere of the old town it was once ago. In many of these streets, you will be able to see fun traffic signs decorated with stickers.

On Verdi Street, for example, you will find a wide variety of restaurants with typical food from nearly every country. And if you want to change and visit the district of L’Eixample, you can walk along the Paseo de Sant Joan (last section of it) which connects both areas of Barcelona and was opened in 1929.

Squares, buildings, streets and parks. The neighborhood of Gracia in Barcelona is a meeting place where you will find culture, tradition and art to offer you an unforgettable day by visiting one of the most iconic districts in the city.

Featured image: Gracia, one of the most visited neighborhoods in Barcelona by locals

Der Beitrag A Day in the Gracia Neighborhood, Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

This is a complete list of the best beaches in Barcelona to take a quick dip. It’s pretty easy to get to the beach in Barcelona, no matter where exactly in the city you’re located.

Here’s a list of all beaches in Barcelona (from south to north, with link to Google Maps)

San Sebastià

San Miquel

Barceloneta

Somorrostro

Nova Icaria

Bogatell

La Mar Bella

La Nova Marbella

Llevant

Banys Fòrum

How to get to the beaches in Barcelona

You can get to the beach by bus, metro, cabify and taxi, if you are the more ecological type of person you can also pick up an electric bike or simply skate down the hills towards the mediterranean sea.

Top 3 Beaches in Barcelona

We’ll try to drill it down for you so you don’t have to research each and every single beach we have here.  So, in order to make this work, we focused on several aspects of the beach.

– Cleanness
– Security, Pickpockets
– Connectivity
– Services like Food, Drinks, Shops near by
– Amenities like Showers, Toilets

The Top 3 beaches in Barcelona are the following ones:

Top 1. La Mar Bella
Top 2. Bogatell
Top 3. Barceloneta Beach

All beaches, around the city of Barcelona

• Platja de San Sebastiá (Sitges)
• Platja dels Balmins (Sitges)
• Platja de la Marina d’Aiguadolç (South of Barcelona)
• Platja de Gossos (South of Barcelona)
• Cala Vallcarca (South of Barcelona)
• Platja del Garraf (South of Barcelona)
• Platja de Castelldefels (South of Barcelona)
• Playa Gavá (South of Barcelona)
• Platja San Sebastià (in the city)
• Platja San Miquel (in the city)
• Platja de la Barceloneta (in the city)
• Platja Somorrostro (in the city)
• Platja Nova Icària (in the city)
• Platja de Bogatell (in the city)
• Platja de La Mar Bella (in the city)
• Platja de La Nova Marbella (in the city)
• Platja de Llevant (in the city)
• Platja Banys Fòrum (in the city)
• Platja de Badalona (North of Barcelona)
• Platja de Montgat (North of Barcelona)
• Platja d’Ocata (North of Barcelona)
• Platja de Premia de Mar (North of Barcelona)
• Platja de l’Astillero (North of Barcelona)

More beaches up north along the coast of Barcelona, Costa Brava and Costa Maresme:

Arenys de Mar

Arenys de Mar is a growing town along the coast of Barcelona or better, the “Costa de Maresme”. This is the village where the famous ex Barça player “Cesc Fabregas” is from. Located about 40 km outside of Barcelona, in Arenys de Mar you can find one of the most important ports of the catalan coast. The main event in Arenys is “La fiesta Mayor” celebrated the day of Sant Zenon, the 9th of July, every year.

Sant Pol de Mar

This picturesque village is worth a visit during your next trip to Barcelona or the coast. It has it’s own train station and is located around 50km north of Barcelona. You can reach it in exactly 1h taking the train from Placa Catalunya or Sants estació. With around 3000 habitants, the small streets and shops you’ll truly experience the catalan lifestyle.

Calella

This touristy town on the coast of Barcelona is packed with Hotels and Entertainment opportunities. If you’re travelling with family and you are looking for an easy vacation with tons of options to do tours, activities for kids and a huge beach. If you like to party at night, Calella might be an option, there’s plenty of Bars, Restaurants, Lounges and Clubs to enjoy a night out.

Tossa de Mar

Cristal clear water, rocky coastlines and one of the best climates await you in Tossa de Mar. This small village is perfect for small relaxed vacation on itself. The fine gravel beaches cause the water to be as clear as it gets. The rocky cliffs are perfect for snorkeling and with plenty of hotels and small apartments to rent this might be one of the underrated spots on the catalan coast. If you travel further up north you’ll get to Lloret de Mar.

Der Beitrag The best beaches in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Enjoy traditional Sant Joan in Barcelona, a unique night in the city

“Nit de Sant Joan” which means St John’s Night or St. John’s Eve is a night of Fireworks, Coca cakes, Cava and Fire therefore also just called “Nit de Foc” (Night of fire).

In many parts of the city on 23rd, you might just run into music concerts such as El mosquito del Garito in the Sant Antoni neighbourhood close to the centre or also festivals at the seafront like the Reggae Festival at the Forum with Mackie Banton.

If you also just like to ramble around without a certain schedule, at Barcelona´s beaches you might become the witness of the biggest central gathering of the night, which attracts crowds of around 75.000 people.

There you can expect fireworks and a lightful skyline.

Another option many locals do make use of are rooftops of Barcelona, where you can overlook the entire scenery of the night.

Some recommendations for good panoramic views and a nice atmosphere would be Yurbban Trafalgar  with its delicious rooftop or also the terrace of Alma and the authentic bar of Cotton House.

Also, if you want to be a little off the crowd a wonderful place are the bunkers on the hill “Carmel”.

Not to forget within Sant Joan’s program the “Tour of the Canigó Flame” – a big flame wandering through town with the crowds until it ends up at the main square

“Plaça Sant Jaume” at 7pm, where its arrival is being celebrated from 6pm with dancing performances, the traditional “giants” and music.

There is the perfect spot to get to try the Catalan “coca”, sweet bread which you will see all around in the local bakeries these days. Get more information about the flame tour with this link.

After experiencing the taste of coca at those hotspots, cheering with cava (sparkling wine) at the beach and observing come “Castellers” performances (human pyramids) you will definitely have the whole package of memories and impressions about this cultural event of Sant Joan in Barcelona.

The next day, June 24th is a public holiday and more than 300 cleaners will be up early to clean the beaches so they are ready for bathers in case you want to wash from this long night in the sea.

You might better get a rest to have all your energy for what awaits you…

Der Beitrag Celebrate traditional Sant Joan in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Magnificent processions with beautifully decorated and adorned Easter floats can be seen making their way through Barcelona. Semana Santa in Spain lasts longer than in other European countries, so that the celebrations can be enjoyed for more than a week; the Semana Santa in Barcelona starts this year on the 29th of March and ends the 5th of April.

How to enjoy Semana Santa in Barcelona

The first day is Domingo de Ramos or Palm Sunday, and it’s the Sunday before the Easter weekend. In Barcelona, there is a Palm Sunday procession called La Borriquita organized by the Parish of Sant Agustin.

The procession starts from their home parish churches and goes to the Barcelona Cathedral and back. All churches in Barcelona have Palm Sunday masses, which usually include a blessing ceremony, during which children are carrying the palm stalks and stems. The palm leaves are often decorated with Catalan Senyera ribbons and have small bags of sweets or toys on the palms tied to them. According to an old Spanish tradition the godmother of the children is responsible for getting them the palm leaves. Following another tradition the children should wear a new item of cloth on Palm Sunday.

Nevertheless most Easter parades take place on Viernes Santo, or Good Friday, which will be on the 3rd April this year. The floats show biblical figures or scenes, for example Virgin Mary or saints. Many floats represent large wooden effigies of Christ either carrying the cross or on the cross. Thirty to fifty porters called costaleros carry the paso like a litter and as they are very heavy a break has to be taken every few minutes. The costaleros carry the floats along the procession route to the Cathedral and then return to their parish church. Notable are the robes the participant from the church are wearing which include a big hat with a pointy head.

Last day of the Easter celebration is Lunes de Pascua or Easter Monday. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays. Most shops in Barcelona are closed, but restaurants and museums are open.

Easter Monday also is the Mona cake day and also called Dia de la Mona de Pasqua. As many Christians have given up on their favorite thing for 40 days, the cake is a symbol for the end of those days of lent and the beginning of spring! What could put a better ending to this abstinence than a delicious cake? There are two types of La Mona de Pascua cake. The traditional cake has the shape of a huge doughnut topped with boiled eggs. Nowadays the mona cake has become quite different and more fun. The eggs are made of chocolate, as also bakers put a layer of apricot jam in between and it’s decorated with a chocolate glaze, almonds, colorful feathers, cartoon characters or even the famous soccer players from FC Barcelona!

Don’t hesitate and enjoy a delicious Mona cake and get stunned by the splendid processions of Semana Santa in Barcelona!

Der Beitrag Semana Santa in Barcelona: Easter Traditions erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.